Wheelchair reconfiguration methods

Abstract

Methods are disclosed, according to the present invention, which enable reversible reconfiguration of a wheelchair by a user between a.) an original load-bearing configuration utilizing the conventional caster wheels of the wheelchair, and b.) a modified load-bearing configuration which confers improved functionality to the wheelchair, especially for traversing difficult or uneven terrain.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method for enabling a user of a wheelchair equipped with a single-jointed load transitioning mechanism to reconfigure the wheelchair, the method including preparing the wheelchair for performance of a cyclic operation sequence, the cyclic operation sequence including:
 a) connecting a wheelchair-adapting implement in a position relative to the wheelchair to operatively interpose the single-jointed load transitioning mechanism between the wheelchair and the wheelchair-adapting implement; 
 b) transitioning the single-jointed load transitioning mechanism from an attach/release stage to a pre-deployment stage, including toggling an alternating switch to prepare a movable bearing for moving towards a position of engagement with a bearing surface; 
 c) transitioning the single-jointed load transitioning mechanism from the pre-deployment stage to a deployment stage, including reclining the wheelchair rearward, wherein reclining the wheelchair enables the movable bearing to move into the position of engagement with the bearing surface; 
 d) transitioning the single-jointed load transitioning mechanism from the deployment stage to a pre-release stage, including toggling the alternating switch to prepare the movable bearing for moving away from the position of engagement with the bearing surface; 
 e) transitioning the single-jointed load transitioning mechanism from the pre-release stage to the attach/release stage, including reclining the wheelchair rearward, wherein reclining the wheelchair enables the movable bearing to move out of the position of engagement with the bearing surface; and 
 f) disconnecting the wheelchair-adapting implement from the position relative to the wheelchair. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , the cyclic operation sequence further including connecting a second wheelchair-adapting implement in a position relative to the wheelchair to operatively interpose a second single-jointed load transitioning mechanism between a second side of the wheelchair and the second wheelchair-adapting implement to enable the user to simultaneously transition a pair of independently load-bearing single-jointed load transitioning mechanisms through the cyclic operation sequence.